Apex Tungsten

[mick.brennan]

How do

I’m considering purchasing the Apex ATX 2000 Tungsten Regs, but will be hoping to complete a nitrox course later this year. The blurb on these Regs states they are nitrox 40% ready but I have also heard that oxygen can have a bad effect on tungsten. So should my choice be the standard ATX 200’s?

Can anybody advise?

Cheers Mick

[Adrian Kelland]

Do you mean Titanium Mick? Yes, it can easily burn in hight O2 levels.

I cannot comment on ATX 200s, but my AT50s are just fine for 40% and upwards, so I expect the standard 200s are too.

Adrian

[David Walker]

Yeah I believe its titanium that is the concern, not tungsten.

Obviously its worth checking if you want to use them for O2 higher than 40%, but within those limits it'll be perfectly safe - they wouldn't be selling them otherwise.

David

[Woz]

I'd consider saving your money and going for either the standard ATX 200 or the ATX 100. The 2nd stages are identical apart from the badge and the 1st stage is identical apart from the replaceable HP seat.

If you know where to look an ATX 100 can be had brand new for £185 plus delivery.

All of them are suitable for nitrox and the PVD coating on the tungsten is ok for it too. Straight off the Apeks website:
"PVD offers extreme protection and high resistance to wear. The Tungsten is suitable for use with up to 40% oxygen as standard and can be cleaned suitable for 100% O2. "

http://www.apeks.co.uk/products/product_cats_results.asp?Product=Tungsten

[Tristan Green]

Straight off the Apeks website:
"PVD offers extreme protection and high resistance to wear. The Tungsten is suitable for use with up to 40% oxygen as standard and can be cleaned suitable for 100% O2. "

http://www.apeks.co.uk/products/product_cats_results.asp?Product=Tungsten
And the bit that Woz didn't copy here for you:

"The 'High Tec' grades of Chromium, Titanium, and Zirconium give this regulator an extremely hard, low-friction Diamond PVD finish (Physical Vapour Deposition - a computer controlled process that guarantees performance and reproducibility)."

So in plain English the Apex Tungsten regulator is actually made from an alloy of Chromium, Titanium, and Zirconium - and with not a jot of tungsten in sight! Just like other regs that are branded as "Titanium" I would imagine - but the difference being the PVD finish, which I guess keeps the oxygen away from the titanium hence making them suitable for use with rich mix nitrox and even 100% O2.

Isn't marketing a wonderful distraction from the truth. :rolleyes:

Cheers,
Tristan

[Beanie]

Stick with tx40s and spend the cash you save on something else, as you got up the range you don't gain alot other than knobs.

I dived for years on mt TX40s down to 50+m

[Woz]

Stick with tx40s and spend the cash you save on something else, as you got up the range you don't gain alot other than knobs.

I dived for years on mt TX40s down to 50+mListen to the man. He speaks the truth. I use a TX 40 as mu primary and only went for the ATX100 'cos I can wind the knob down and it's nice and small to be used as a necklaced backup.

[Garry Whyke]

I've use the TX 40 as both primary on Trimix and now as a bail out, its simple, reliable and a good breath. Certainly to be considered.

Back to your original question though.

If the manufacturer has stated that the reg is acceptable for use on nitrox which is less than 40% (which should be ratified by the British Standards as part of the process they have to follow getting a product to market), then I can't see any reason not to accept it.

In terms of your thoughts on use however, is your intention to use the 200 as a deco reg in the future? If yes then the debate is valid (although its an expensive option). If no, then it may not be.

Basically nitrox is not a deep diving gas. I've been diving on it for many years now and don't know anyone who has used above 40% in their main cylinder (s). Above 40% is generally used for deco ONLY (i.e. a separate cylinder), whether this is to build in safety or to accelerate deco.

It may be worth completing the nitrox course before purchasing one, as you will be discussing kit configuration on the course and it may help you to clarify your thoughts. Besides, if at the end of the day you do not intend to use it as a high mix deco reg, then it isn't an issue.

My view anyway.

Good luck with the course.

............ Garry